Considering the Edge is a two-person, ceramic sculpture exhibition featuring the work of Dundas based artist, Barb Sachs and Jerseyville based artist, Gise Trauttmansdorff.

Sachs has a background in painting, sculpture and film animation, with the last 35 years being devoted to clay as a primary working medium. Every piece that she makes is fired using the raku process. Hand built animal forms have been a main focus, but with wilder, more stylized creatures, Barb is able to play and let loose, pushing forms into new directions. Play and exploration of ideas are at the heart of making these unlikely characters. Balance, design, surface treatment, as well as stability also factor into the realization of these pieces. Each piece is imbibed with a sense of humour and storytelling.

Trauttmansdorff has a background in architecture, metal working, sculpture and farming. She has been working in mixed media and clay for over 35 years which has been essential to maintaining her sense of self. She is happiest creating with her hands mainly out of the clay that she raku or smoke fires and combines with found objects. Gise is interested in exploring series and assemblages in her work that can become site specific installations. Abstractions, contrasts, light and shadow play a big part in her pieces. She aims to have each piece reveal the history of its process – evoking a sense of discovery.

Considering the Edge is a dialogue between both artists individually realized pieces. Though distinctively different, their collaboration is a way to spur each other on to explore new and unanticipated territory with their making processes and ideas. As ‘makers’ each is at their happiest when engaged in the creative process – physically playing with their chosen mediums.